Rep. Keith Greiner

Maddy summaryHB 394 modifies Pennsylvania's existing tax credit program for municipal fire and emergency medical services volunteers. It allows the tax credit to offset current and future state tax liabilities, and requires municipalities to establish an alternative benefit (like a cash payment) for volunteers who owe no state tax. The credit remains in effect until the local government repeals it. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 395 allows Pennsylvania to grant provisional certification to emergency medical responders (EMRs) who already hold valid national certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). This applies to individuals certified as EMRs, first responders, EMTs, AEMTs, or paramedics. The provisional certification is valid for three years and automatically converts to standard Pennsylvania certification after completing the regular triennial registration process. This change eliminates redundant certification requirements for nationally certified EMTs working in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 397 (Pennsylvania) allows volunteer fire companies to directly bill insurers for emergency medical services provided by certified EMT firefighters during dispatched emergencies. It affects volunteer fire companies and insurers covering emergency medical services under health insurance policies. The bill enables fire companies to submit separate claims for services rendered at emergency scenes, prohibits insurers from requiring contracts for payment, and imposes fines for false claims ($100 for first offense, $1,000 for repeat). This amendment to the 1921 Insurance Company Law clarifies billing procedures for EMT firefighters without changing existing insurance coverage requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 396 creates an emergency certification pathway for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in Pennsylvania public schools. It allows two routes: (1) educators with valid out-of-state CTE certificates meeting Pennsylvania’s standards, or (2) individuals with at least four years of work experience in the teaching field plus industry certifications. Certificates issued under this bill are valid for eight years and convert to full certification after two years of classroom teaching with performance evidence. The bill directly affects CTE educators seeking quicker entry into Pennsylvania classrooms.

Maddy summaryHB 381 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Education to conduct an independent study evaluating whether the ACT and SAT could replace the current Keystone Exams (in literature, algebra I, and biology) for high school students. The study must assess if these college readiness tests align with state standards, provide comparable achievement data for all students (including subgroups), offer appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners, and meet federal assessment requirements. The report, due within one year, will inform potential future changes to graduation requirements. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania public high school students and the state's education accountability system, but does not implement any changes itself.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 292 creates a new offense for candidates or their representatives who fail to remove campaign signs from public property by the legally required deadline - either as set by local ordinance or within 10 days after an election. Violators face a minor offense penalty, including a $50-$300 fine and 5-30 hours of community service focused on removing campaign signs and litter. The law specifically targets political campaign signage on public property, directly affecting candidates and their agents during election cycles. It does not alter existing local signage rules but adds a statewide penalty for non-compliance after elections.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 17) designates March 15, 2026, as "Legislative Branch Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates the historical significance of Pennsylvania's General Assembly, including its founding in 1682 and role in shaping U.S. governance. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only as a symbolic observance to honor the legislature's legacy. It does not affect any individuals, organizations, or existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 279 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to require state agencies (Commonwealth, legislative, and judicial) to submit contracts over $10,000 to the Treasury Department within 10 days of execution. Agencies must provide a detailed summary including contract dates, amounts, parties, and subject matter, and submit semi-annual attestations confirming compliance. Non-compliant agencies risk delayed or rejected payments for associated contracts. This bill directly affects all state agencies entering qualifying contracts, increasing the reporting threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 while standardizing contract data submission and public disclosure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the importance of career and technical education (CTE) programs through a state-wide observance. The resolution highlights CTE's role in providing students with skills, credentials, and pathways to stable careers, noting that approximately 68,576 students (12% of high school grades) participated in CTE programs in 2024. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by raising public awareness of CTE's value to students, businesses, and the state's economy.